With the Atlantic Hurricane Season set to begin on June 1, the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) has confirmed that shelters are ready and training is underway to ensure the country’s preparedness.

At Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, NODS Director Sherrod James and Deputy Director Craig Cole outlined ongoing readiness efforts. The national shelter list has been published, and local directors are currently being trained to manage the facilities.

Plans are also in motion to procure three large, purpose-built shelters—two for Antigua and one for Barbuda—with capacity for over 200 people each, in partnership with an international organization.

The Cabinet was also briefed on the need to clear drains, waterways, and ponds to reduce flood risk. Two long-boom excavators have been assigned to NODS for immediate deployment.

Additionally, funding has been approved to upgrade NODS’s communication systems to ensure reliable coordination during emergencies.

The hurricane season runs until November 30, though adverse weather may occur outside this period.